Ultra-processed foods pose a mounting threat to global public health, according to the largest scientific review to date, with new research warning that their widespread consumption is linked to damage across every major organ system of the human body.
A series of three papers published in The Lancet found that diets high in ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are rapidly replacing fresh food worldwide and are strongly associated with increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and other chronic illnesses.
UPFs include products that are industrially manufactured using additives such as artificial flavors, emulsifiers, and colorings. Examples include ready meals, cereals, soft drinks, packaged snacks,s and fast food. Researchers note that these products are formulated to be highly palatable, calorie-dense, and low in nutrients, while displacing traditional, fresh meals.
In the UK and the United States, more than half of the average diet now consists of UPFs. Among younger and poorer populations, intake can reach as high as 80 percent.
The review, involving 43 leading global experts, examined 104 long-term studies and found that 92 showed higher risks of chronic disease or early death among people who consume diets high in UPFs. Evidence also links UPF consumption to overeating, reduced nutritional quality and increased exposure to harmful chemicals.
Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of São Paulo, one of the study authors, said the findings show the urgent need for action. Monteiro helped develop the NOVA classification system, which ranks foods from minimally processed to ultra-processed. He said people are not biologically adapted to consume industrially engineered products that are designed to maximize corporate profits.
Critics argue that UPF is a broad and imperfectly defined category, and that existing policies targeting salt and sugar reduction may already address the risk. The researchers acknowledged gaps in long-term clinical trials and understanding of mechanisms but insisted the evidence is already strong enough to justify immediate policy responses.
The second paper in the Lancet series recommends measures to regulate the production, marketing, and consumption of UPFs. While some countries have adopted rules to reformulate foods or reduce marketing, the global public health response remains limited and far behind movements such as tobacco control.
The third paper argues that rising UPF consumption is being driven by corporate practices rather than consumer choice. Authors note that food companies use political influence, extensive lobbying and strategic partnerships to prevent stricter regulations.
Series co-author Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina called for front-of-package labeling that identifies UPF ingredients alongside excessive levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Researchers also recommend stronger advertising restrictions, especially for children, as well as removing UPFs from schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.
One example of progress is Brazil’s national school food program, which has removed most UPF from meals and will require 90 percent of food served to be fresh or minimally processed by 2026.
Independent scientists welcomed the review but cautioned that associations do not automatically prove causation, adding that continued research is needed to further clarify health impacts.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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